Nikon 2001 Annual Report Download - page 12

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page 10
The microscope market grew slightly during the year, spurred on by growth in the
semiconductor and electronic components markets. Total segment net sales rose
15.9% to ¥59,008 million, while operating income swelled to ¥5,190 million, a
535.0% increase over the previous year.
In the biological microscopes field, the new DXM1200 high-resolution digital
camera for microscopes, which delivers an approximately 12-million-pixel-output
ultrahigh resolution image, helped the Nikon Group to post sales gains. In industrial
microscopes, LSI inspection microscopes and stereoscopic microscopes also sold
well. In measuring instruments, sales of measuring microscopes and computerized
numerical control (CNC) video measuring systems were buoyed by a robust electronic
components market. IC wafer inspection system sold extremely well, both in Japan
and overseas markets. Overlay measuring system also began to enjoy broad market
support domestically. Total sales figures easily surpassed those of last year as a
result.
The Nikon Group worked diligently to restructure its sales and service network in
the United States with the establishment of Nikon Instruments Inc., a new local
subsidiary. Production systems were also strengthened.
While the impending downturn in capital investment by semiconductor firms is of
some concern, the sales success of overlay measuring system and automatic macro
inspection system enhances prospects for continued sales growth in the
semiconductor measuring and inspection market segments.
Instruments
The modern age requires
expertise to accrue more
precision in measuring and
inspection equipment.